Summertime is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to work and earn a little bit of spending money. Often, kids need something to do during the summer months, and a small part-time job can teach them valuable lessons about earning money and working to achieve their goals. If your child needs a summer job, here are a few options to consider:
Neighborhood Chores and Services
Simple tasks such as mowing the lawn or washing windows offer a great opportunity for kids to earn money. Many of the neighbors enjoy the help with yardwork and cleaning up the property, and they are willing to pay for the service to have the neighborhood kids help with the work. It is beneficial to hire a neighborhood kid instead of a landscaping company, because the costs are much cheaper.
If your kids are interested in these types of summer jobs, then they should make a flier at the beginning of the summer. By passing the papers around the neighborhood, everyone will know that the services are available and it is will be easier to get a few consistent clients.
Summer Camps
Did your child enjoy attending summer camp when they are younger? Some of these camps hire teenagers to help during the summer months, and job openings include camp counselors or activity leaders. Find a camp that matches the interests of your child, so they can do something they enjoy throughout the summer months.
For example, if your child loves horseback riding, see if you can find a ranch summer camp where they can work. Or if they like music, then they might be able to find a camp that incorporates music and instruments into the activities.
Lifeguard
Lifeguarding is a great seasonal job, because the pool is usually only open during the warmer summer months. Your child will enjoy the work because they can spend time in the sun and see their friends at the pool, and at the same time they are getting paid to work.
Certain certifications and training programs are needed to work as a lifeguard, so make sure that your child has these certifications in advance to increase their likelihood of getting the job.
Babysitting or Summer Nanny
Babysitting younger kids in the neighborhood can be a good way to earn money, especially if your child is responsible enough to watch the kids for the whole day. The summer months can be hard if both parents are working full-time, and they often hire a summer nanny to watch their children during the day.
Instead of paying full-price for an adult nanny, it is much cheaper to hire a neighborhood teenager to be the nanny over the summer. It’s a great solution because the teenager can earn money, and the parents are saving compared with the costs they would be spending on a full-time nanny. When summer break is over, both the teenager and the younger children will be going to back to school at the same time.
Garage Sale
Are you looking for a way to clear the clutter out of your house and help your child earn a little money at the same time? Plan a garage sale to get rid of the unused items in storage. You will be happier because your house will be less cluttery, and your child will be happy because they will have some spending money in their pocket.
Lemonade/Cookie Stand
Younger children aren’t quite mature enough to have a bigger summer job, but they can handle smaller activities such as selling lemonade or cookies on the street corner. Help them learn about preparing the food, setting up their stand, and handling the transactions when they make a sale.
By Andrea Travillian
Kids & Money Expert
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